2003 Ford Thunderbird Review
2003 Ford Thunderbird Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Silky-smooth V8, cool retro styling, relaxed yet capable handling, available bolt-on hardtop.
Cons
- Lacks trunk space, lackluster interior design, no manual or automanual transmission offered.
What’s new
Now in its second year, the Thunderbird gains 28 more horsepower and 25 more pound-feet of torque, bringing the totals to 280 and 286, respectively. The bump in power is due to new electronic throttle control and variable cam timing. All-speed traction control comes standard, and heated seats are now available as options. The instrument cluster has been revised, and new exterior and colors brighten up the palette. Finally, a new saddle interior package makes its debut with full saddle-style leather for the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.
Edmunds says
Fun to drive and fun to be seen driving, the Thunderbird successfully straddles a fine line between luxury and performance.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible (3.9L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$288/mo for Thunderbird Deluxe
Thunderbird Deluxe
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Ford Thunderbird.
5 star(89%)
4 star(11%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
70 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Rare Bird in a world of look alikes
csp.la.ca., 02/07/2007
2003 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
The Thunderbird is unique. After almost 3 years of ownership, I still get looks, questions and comments. They call the style retro, but actually it is a modern take of the early T-birds. The interior, I think is not unique but pretty good. For some reason I prefer the T-Bird to my BMW 540I. I like the car, I like the experience of owning the car. I was going to buy something else, but I … can't find another $45K car I would rather have. For now it is a keeper. If I buy another car, I'm keeping the T-Bird. I think soon the value will increase, not as an investment but people will appreciate the car for what it is, a unique, RWD, V8, 4 wheel independent suspension, 2 seater, convertible.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Attracts attention
lhaskins, 08/08/2014
2003 Ford Thunderbird Premium 2dr Convertible w/Removable Hard Top (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
I purchased this 2003 T-Bird (torch red with white roof) new and have had it ever since.
It is not our primary car although we originally bought it for my wife to take to work. It was not long before we placed it in the garage (where it is now) with a dust cover on it.
With 21,000+ it is more of a "toy" to enjoy riding in around town when the weather is cooperative.
It is not … comfortable enough for us to take on long trips, but it still attracts attention. I do all of my own service and it has had no major problems.
vlh
4.88 out of 5 stars
Luv My Bird
David R. Adinolfi, 05/19/2007
2003 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
I bought this 2003 T'Bird primarily for my wife. We started our special car life with an MGA 40 odd years ago. It was fun, but now in our older years we appreciate the amenities in our Bird. It has good power, special looks and it's fun to drive. It is really comfortable for a car this size and we appreciate that since neither of us is small. And it will accommodate 2 full sets of golf … clubs. We couldn't ask for a better, and for us, practical fun car.
5 out of 5 stars
Black Bird
scott hogeland, 01/07/2006
2003 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
Best driving & handling car I have ever owned. Battery was dead upon delivery, but car had been sitting for a long time. Ignition switch locked up and could not be turned - dealer fixed with new switch. Transmission shows "E" while traveling. Water leak in drivers side window. All supposed to be fixed per TSB guidelines. Strange problems for a premium car.
2003 Thunderbird Highlights
Deluxe
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $36,815 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $288/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Thunderbird include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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